Getting Started

1. Clean: Wash hands and dry thoroughly. Avoid lotions 1–2 hours before.
2. Shape: File to your preferred shape; smooth corners to reduce edge lifts.
3. Cuticles: Gently push back; don’t cut living tissue.
4. Buff (optional): Very lightly to remove ridges.
5. Dehydrate: Wipe nails with alcohol to remove oils and dust.

Usually not required. A base coat can add thickness and reduce adhesion on strips. Use only if you know a specific base works with your nails.

1. Before peeling, “fit test” each nail. Hold the strip above the nail to check width.
2. Choose a size slightly narrower than your nail plate; leave a 0.5–1 mm gap at sidewalls.
3. Place 1 mm off the cuticle line for a natural look and fewer lifts.

Fold the excess over the free edge and file in one downward direction at ~45°. Avoid sawing back and forth.

• Bright, even lighting and a clean table.
• Keep alcohol wipes, file, pusher, and strips within reach.
• Do thumbs last. For gel strips, flash-cure 5–10s to lock placement, then full cure 60–90s (cure thumbs separately).

Keep nails dry and avoid heat/steam (hot baths, saunas). This helps adhesives settle and boosts wear.

Gel strips: higher gloss and durability; require an LED lamp.
Polish strips: fastest and lamp-free; great for quick looks.

With good prep, gel strips typically outlast polish strips. Longevity varies by nail type and aftercare (oil, gloves, avoiding heat early on).

Not if done correctly. Use the oil/soak method—never peel dry. See Safe Removal.